Watercress

Also called Rorippa nasturtium-aquatica

Aspects: Running herb, edible leaves, sun to part shade, aquatic to moist soil

Can be grown in almost any climate; grows best in shallow, slowly running fresh water free from contamination; will draw the needed nutrients from the water; consider carefully before planting in a natural water source because it naturalizes quickly and can pass on illnesses when grown in contaminated water

Will grow in a backyard water garden if transplanted to an unheated greenhouse during over winter; needs good fertile soil

Will also grow as a houseplant or outdoor container plant with the pots placed in saucers of water that are kept full so the soil remains wet; needs good fertile soil

Will also grow in ordinary soil if it is kept moist enough

Eaten fresh or cooked

Flea beetle and/or mosaic virus can be a problem; watercress itself can become a weed

Watercress has a poor shelf life and is best used fresh; plants harvested in cooler climates have a much milder flavor; once plants flower the flavor becomes exceedingly pungent.